CHI Saint Joseph Health Relaxes Visitation Policy; Virtual Care Visits Continue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2020) – CHI Saint Joseph Health is actively monitoring new developments related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kentucky and across the United States. Following the first phase of the state’s gradual reopening, CHI Saint Joseph Health is making additional changes to its visitation policy.

Since March, CHI Saint Joseph Health has restricted visitation to keep patients, staff and community safe. Now, facilities are relaxing restrictions while taking precautionary measures. The new visitation policy allows one designated person to accompany patients who are admitted to the hospital, for patients in labor and delivery, for patients under 18 and for end-of-life care. The updated policy states that the patient’s designated support person will be asked to remain with the patient during their stay and will be asked to adhere to specific infection prevention guidelines while in the facility to maintain a safe environment.

The new visitation policy applies at Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. The new visitation policy, however, will not apply to the Skilled Nursing Unit at Flaget Memorial Hospital, in line with state guidelines regarding long-term care facilities. The current policy for the SNU will remain in place – no visitors allowed at any time.

For patients who are scheduled for an outpatient procedure or during a visit to the emergency room, the updated visitation policy states that patient’s support person will be asked to wait in their cars until if/when the provider says it’s OK for entry, or if they are needed for assessment or additional support for the patient.

Anyone entering the facility is required to wear a mask, cloth masks are acceptable; and will be screened with a temperature check prior to entry. The zero visitor policy remains for ambulatory care services, such as outpatient oncology, physical therapy and rehab appointments. Waiting rooms at physicians’ offices will also remain closed until further notice.

In addition, people with a fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms will not be permitted to visit. Anyone who has traveled to a high-risk area for COVID-19 or has had contact with a person known to be infected, will not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital.

In order to best serve patients and continue efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, CHI Saint Joseph Health is continuing to offer virtual care visits for current and new patients.

Patients who currently have a provider with CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group can call that provider’s office to make an appointment for a virtual visit. New patients can call 859.313.2255 to connect with a physician or advanced practice clinician. All CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group providers are equipped to conduct a virtual care visit through Zoom, a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing tool.

For more information on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/novel-coronavirus.

For more information on the updated visitor policy, visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org//chi-saint-joseph-health/patients-guests/novel-coronavirus/temporary-visitor-restrictions.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information:
Mary Branham, Director, Communications
P: 859.313.2642
C: 502.229.0940
[email protected]